Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar is a prominent Pakistani entertainment journalist, pop culture commentator, and full-time media critic who delivers comprehensive coverage of the South Asian and international entertainment sectors. Writing extensively for the leading digital arts and cultural publication PakistaniArt, she has established a professional reputation for tracking breaking industry news, reviewing mainstream television serials, and analyzing global cinematic releases. Her extensive portfolio spans a diverse array of topics, from reviewing major television sensations like Geo Entertainment's daily prime-time drama Zabt to covering major Hollywood red carpet events featuring global stars, reporting on international music developments like Ariana Grande's album rollouts, and highlighting niche artistic projects such as original short film premieres at Studio Ghibli Park. Beyond superficial celebrity reporting, her long-form journalistic work frequently explores the deeper socio-cultural shifts and operational updates within the media landscape, such as investigating veteran screenwriters' assertions regarding the emergence of artificial intelligence ghostwriting in traditional Pakistani drama scripts. By consistently bridging local entertainment beats with global media trends, she provides critical industry analysis and comprehensive reporting that serves as a vital resource for audiences tracking the intersection of Pakistani television, regional cinema, and international pop culture.

Entertainment writer

Entertainment writer

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar is a dedicated full-time writer at PakistaniArt, where she delivers comprehensive coverage of the entertainment landscape. Specialising in film, television, art, and comic books, Zoya tracks breaking industry news and major pop culture trends. With deep experience in news reporting, she skillfully cross-references multiple authoritative sources to ensure absolute accuracy. Zoya excels at identifying high-interest topics, transforming complex industry updates into engaging, reader-friendly stories for her audience.
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More from Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar

TelevisionAUG 3, 2026

4 Pakistani Dramas to Track This August: What's Real, What's Rumour, and What's Worth the Wait

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
This promotional image features actors Sonya Hussyn and Sheheryar Munawar posing closely together for a contemporary Pakistani fashion collection campaign. A man and a woman pose closely together against a plain, light beige backdrop, showcasing elegant South Asian ethnic and formal attire. The woman on the left is captured from the waist up, looking slightly to her left with a gentle smile. Her dark hair is styled in a soft half-updo with loose, wavy tendrils framing her face, and she wears subtle traditional jewelry, including a thin black choker necklace, a nose stud, small metallic jhumka earrings, and a stack of silver bangles on her wrist. She is dressed in a deep crimson or maroon long-sleeved kurta paired with a lightweight chiffon dupatta draped over her shoulders. The dupatta features a striking tie-dye or ombre pattern with bold sweeps of dark gray, black, and maroon, finished with a delicate white lace or beaded border along the edges. To her right, the man stands slightly behind her, looking downward and to his left with a focused expression. He has wavy, short brown hair and wears a sophisticated charcoal gray or navy blue outfit consisting of a traditional straight-cut kurta shirt beneath a matching tailored, double-breasted blazer jacket with peak lapels and a white pocket square peeking out from the breast pocket. The lighting is soft and directional, casting gentle shadows that emphasize the rich textures of the fabrics and the warm tones of the scene.
TelevisionAUG 3, 2026

'House of the Dragon' S3E7 Has Sparked a Full Fandom Civil War

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
A heavily scarred, wide-eyed Aegon II Targaryen, portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney, is shown hiding in disguise during his escape from King's Landing in House of the Dragon. He is wearing a dark, hooded teal-grey cloak over a patterned brown medieval robe. His face bears severe burn scars and disfigurement from the Battle of Rook's Rest. He grips the textured surface of a large, fallen moss-covered log or stone formation with both hands as he crouches low in a rocky, trench-like depression. His expression is one of sudden alarm and vulnerability as his eyes look upward and out of frame, scanning for potential threats. The background features a soft-focus forest with thin pine trees against a pale, overcast sky, establishing a bleak and tense outdoor environment. 
CelebritiesAUG 3, 2026

Fans Can't Handle Seeing Urwa Hocane's Glamorous Real-Life Look While 'Aap Ki Izzat' Has Them in Tears

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Urwa Hocane (born UrwaTul Wusqua Hussain on July 2, 1991) is a dominant and highly influential figure in Pakistan’s contemporary entertainment industry, celebrated for her versatility as a leading actress, successful model, and visionary media producer. She first rose to prominence as a television host before making a seamless transition into mainstream acting with her 2012 television debut in Khushboo Ka Ghar, which rapidly propelled her into high-profile lead roles in major domestic dramas such as Meri Ladli and Madiha Maliha. Her career reached critical heights through her deeply impactful performance as Meera in the critically acclaimed and socially conscious drama series Udaari, a performance that tackled severe social stigmas, earned her multiple prestigious Hum Awards, and firmly established her reputation for taking on complex, challenging, and emotionally demanding characters. Beyond the small screen, she successfully transitioned into Pakistani cinema, making a memorable silver-screen debut in the massive box-office comedy hit Na Maloom Afraad, later starring in other prominent features like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Rangreza, and eventually expanding her creative footprint into film production by producing the star-studded romantic drama film Tich Button. Belonging to a prominent media family as the elder sister of acclaimed actress Mawra Hocane, and married to the exceptionally famous Pakistani singer and actor Farhan Saeed, she commands an enormous global digital presence, boasting over seven million followers on her official Instagram account. Most recently, she has captivated audiences and critics alike with her television comeback as Beena in the massively popular Hum TV drama series Aap Ki Izzat—penned by legendary writer Umera Ahmed—where her raw and moving portrayal of an emotionally manipulated wife has been hailed as an absolute acting masterclass, further proving her enduring relevance and unparalleled dedication to the craft of storytelling.
GamesAUG 2, 2026

Inside the Pokémon Emerald 'Battle Factory' Scandal That Has Speedrunning in Crisis Mode

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Pokémon Emerald Version is a critically acclaimed 2004 role-playing video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance as the definitive, enhanced "third version" of Generation III. Expanding upon the foundations of Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, the game features an updated storyline where the player must thwart both Team Magma and Team Aqua, culminating in an iconic cutscene where the legendary dragon Rayquaza awakens to stop a catastrophic clash between Groudon and Kyogre. Emerald introduced several major gameplay upgrades to the Hoenn region, including animated Pokémon battle sprites, adjusted Gym Leader rosters, the elevation of Wallace to regional Champion, and the debut of the Battle Frontier—a massive post-game hub featuring seven unique challenge facilities that tested players with distinct competitive rulesets. Decades after its release, the game maintains a massive legacy within the gaming community, serving as a premier title for hardcore Nuzlocke challenges and inspiring highly sophisticated, fan-made ROM hacks that continue to modernize its mechanics and rebalance its difficulty.
AIAUG 1, 2026

AI-Generated Fan Trailers Are Flooding YouTube, and Hollywood's Likeness Debate Just Got Louder

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
A wide, cinematic shot featuring actor Tom Holland as a young warrior in a historical or mythological setting. He is positioned in the lower-middle foreground, angled slightly to the right while looking intently toward the left. He has curly, dark brown hair and a serious, focused facial expression. He is holding a long, unsheathed silver sword horizontally in front of him with both hands, gripped near the dark hilt.He wears a light beige or cream-colored tunic paired with a draped brown cloak or cape secured at the center of his chest by a round, metallic medallion or brooch. On his right forearm, a dark leather bracer or cuff is visible. The background consists of a soft-focus, sun-drenched outdoor landscape with scattered, thin tree trunks and a hazy horizon line suggesting a coastal or Mediterranean environment during the golden hour. A small "SC" logo is visible in the bottom-left corner, and a faint Universal Pictures logo appears in the top-right corner.
AIJUL 31, 2026

The Internet Made Hank Green the Test Case for Whether Trusted Creators Can Use AI at All

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Popular internet educator and author Hank Green stands mid-gesture under vibrant stage lighting during a performance of his debut stand-up comedy special, Pissing Out Cancer, which premiered via Dropout Presents. Wearing his signature thick-rimmed glasses, a structured slate-blue buttoned cardigan polo, and casual tan trousers, he smiles broadly while holding a corded microphone close to his mouth with his right hand and extending his left hand outward to engage with the audience.
TelevisionJUL 31, 2026

Fahad Sheikh Apologizes to Syed Mohammad Ahmed After the Video Goes Viral

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Fahad Sheikh is a prominent Pakistani television actor, model, and former host who achieved widespread mainstream fame for his breakthrough lead role as Ahmer in the hit 2020 drama serial Jalan, later cementing his industry presence with notable performances in high-profile dramas such as Dunk, Azmaish, Khudparast, and Bandish. Born on February 22, 1989, in Lahore, Pakistan, he began his entertainment career as a television host for various fashion and entertainment shows before transitioning into full-time acting, where he also explored digital media through well-received short films like Naam Kya Rakha? alongside Hajra Yamin. In his personal life, he has been married to Mehreen Sheikh since 2012. More recently, in July 2026, Sheikh became the center of significant social media scrutiny and public backlash following a workplace controversy tied to veteran actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed. After a leaked behind-the-scenes green room video surfaced showing Sheikh making loud jokes while holding a portable fan to the veteran actor's hair—closely following a podcast where Ahmed discussed being disrespected by a younger co-star—Sheikh issued public and private apologies, clarifying that the interaction was intended as lighthearted, family-like banter on set, a gesture that senior peers like Faysal Quraishi have since supported while urging the public to accept the apology and move past the incident.
TelevisionJUL 30, 2026

Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan Are Reportedly Reuniting for a New Geo Entertainment Drama

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Sajal Aly is one of Pakistan's highest-paid and most celebrated actresses and models, widely acclaimed for her immense versatility and emotional depth on screen. Born on January 17, 1994, in Lahore, she rose to national prominence through breakthrough television performances in critically acclaimed dramas like Yaqeen Ka Safar, Alif, O Rangreza, and Sinf-e-Aahan. Beyond her dominant career in Pakistani television and local films like Khel Khel Mein, she expanded her footprint internationally with her Bollywood debut in the film Mom (2017) alongside Sridevi. Her exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Hum Awards, a Lux Style Award, and the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) conferred by the Government of Pakistan. Bilal Abbas Khan is a premier Pakistani television and film actor widely celebrated as one of the country's most versatile and impactful leading men. Born on June 4, 1993, in Karachi, he formally trained in acting at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) before making his television debut in 2016. He rapidly ascended to superstardom by portraying complex, vastly diverse characters, with critically acclaimed performances in major hits such as O Rangreza, Balaa, Cheekh, Pyar Ke Sadqay, and the massive global phenomenon Ishq Murshid. His extraordinary range and dynamic screen presence have earned him multiple prestigious Lux Style Awards.
AnimationJUL 28, 2026

Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name" Returns to U.S. Theaters in 4K for Its Tenth Anniversary

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa) is a masterpiece of modern animation that blends romance, fantasy, and destiny. Directed by Makoto Shinkai and released in 2016, the film follows Mitsuha, a high school girl in a rural mountain village, and Taki, a high school boy living in Tokyo. The two teenagers are inexplicably bound together when they begin periodically swapping bodies, forcing them to navigate each other's lives and leave behind digital diaries to manage the chaos. Just as a deep emotional connection forms between them, the phenomenon abruptly stops, prompting Taki to search for Mitsuha in the Japanese countryside. This search reveals a stunning twist: their experiences are separated by a three-year time gap, and Mitsuha's hometown was tragically destroyed by a comet fragment years earlier. Utilizing ancient Shinto traditions and a magical meeting at twilight, Taki races against time to alter past events, evacuate the town, and preserve their fading memories of one another. Visually breathtaking, the movie is celebrated for its hyper-realistic depictions of Tokyo, vibrant skies, and an iconic, emotionally resonant soundtrack composed by the rock band RADWIMPS. It became a massive global box office phenomenon, cementing Shinkai's reputation as a legendary storyteller and serving as the first entry in his unofficial "disaster trilogy," which also includes Weathering with You and Suzume.
Performance ArtJUL 28, 2026

BIBI's WATERBOMB Seoul 2026 Set Reignites the Debate Over Performance Art in K-Pop

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
BIBI (Kim Hyeong-seo) is a prominent South Korean solo singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress who bridges the worlds of K-pop, K-R&B, and alternative hip-hop with her distinctively raw and unfiltered style. Discovered on SoundCloud by hip-hop icon Yoon Mi-rae, BIBI debuted in 2019 under Feel Ghood Music and later expanded her international reach through a global partnership with 88rising. Known by her signature look of two red dots painted beneath her eye, her stage name "BIBI" is short for "Naked Bibi," symbolizing her commitment to presenting her most honest, authentic self through her music. She frequently challenges traditional industry norms by tackling mature, cinematic themes of intimacy, mental health, and retribution, resulting in massive hits like the fierce revenge anthem "BIBI Vengeance" and the whimsical, chart-topping pop-waltz "Bam Yang Gang." Beyond her music career, she has earned widespread critical acclaim as an actress under her birth name, delivering powerful performances in the noir film Hopeless and television series such as The Worst of Evil, The Fiery Priest 2, and Gangnam B-Side.
FilmJUL 28, 2026

Fahad Mustafa and Talha Anjum Set to Star in Pakistani Action-Thriller 'Powerbank'

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
Fahad Mustafa is one of Pakistan's highest-paid and most influential television hosts, actors, and producers. Born Fahad Salahuddin on June 26, 1983, to legendary Sindhi actor Salahuddin Tunio, he dropped out of a pharmacy program to pursue entertainment, debuting in the 2003 TV series Umrao Jaan Ada. He skyrocketed to fame through acclaimed television dramas such as Main Abdul Qadir Hoon and Kankar, and later cemented his dominance in Pakistani cinema by starring in massive box-office hits like Na Maloom Afraad and Actor in Law. Since 2014, he has been a ubiquitous household name across the country as the energetic host of Jeeto Pakistan (instagram.com), widely regarded as the nation's biggest game show. Behind the camera, he runs the successful production banner Big Bang Entertainment, producing numerous top-rated television projects while also announcing major expansions into film production with high-profile cinematic ventures alongside superstars like Mahira Khan. Following a decade-long hiatus from the small screen, he staged a phenomenal television comeback in the blockbuster romantic drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, a performance that won global praise and earned him a Lux Style Award. Personally, he has been married to writer and producer Sana Fahad since 2006, with whom he shares two children, balancing his sprawling entertainment empire with a deeply family-oriented lifestyle. Talha Anjum is a defining force in South Asian hip-hop, widely celebrated as a pioneer of Urdu rap and one of Pakistan's most streamed music artists. Born on October 3, 1995, and raised in Karachi, he rose to nationwide prominence in 2013 after co-founding the iconic hip-hop duo Young Stunners (en.wikipedia.org) alongside fellow rapper Talhah Yunus. Their breakout satirical single Burger-e-Karachi struck a chord with youth culture, laying the groundwork for mainstream hip-hop acceptance in the country. Revered for his melancholic storytelling, deeply reflective poetry, and sharp social commentary, Anjum has dropped continuous viral chart-toppers like Afsanay, Gumaan, and Downers at Dusk. He has seamlessly bridged underground rap with mainstream pop culture, collaborating on high-profile projects like the Pakistan Super League (en.wikipedia.org) (PSL) anthem Groove Mera and partnering with legendary international rap label Mass Appeal. Beyond his collaborative work with long-time producers Jokhay and Umair (instagram.com), his solo endeavors include critically acclaimed studio albums like Open Letter and My Terrible Mind. Driven by an experimental creative streak, he even made a successful transition to the big screen, starring as the lead protagonist in the action-thriller film Kattar Karachi. Personally, he marked a major milestone by marrying his cousin and social media influencer, Zoeia Karim.
AIJUL 28, 2026

Pakistan's Beloved 'Ainak Wala Jin' Returns as an AI Film, and Fans Are Not Having It

Zoya Mahroosh Zulfiqar
"Ainak Wala Jin" is Pakistan's first fully AI-generated commercial feature film, which officially hit theaters nationwide on July 24, 2026. "Ainak Wala Jin" is an 85-minute Urdu-language fantasy film that officially hit Pakistani theaters nationwide on July 24, 2026, earning distinction as Asia's first fully AI-generated commercial feature film. Directed by Farhan M. Khan and produced by Faisal Saleem in partnership with Pakistan Television (PTV), the movie leverages artificial intelligence instead of standard traditional animation pipelines to tell the story of a young boy who discovers his elderly neighbor is a powerful jin, embarking on a magical journey to the realm of Kokaf. While the project capitalizes on the nostalgic name of the legendary 1993 PTV children's television series, it presents an entirely new narrative without the original cast, sparking intense debate across social media. While public figures like Juggun Kazim have praised the film as a bold, pioneering technological milestone for local cinema, the production has faced severe backlash from the local creative community; Pakistani animators and viewers have criticized the visuals as unpolished "AI slop," arguing that relying on automated generation undermines the artistry, effort, and growth of traditional animation in Pakistan.

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